The Charlotte & Mecklenbery County web site was amazing. I think our library system could also use RSS feeds to promote programs since we have one website for many different branch libraries. I know Second Life is something that is popular and even used by some University Libraries, but I really don't understand the appeal. Maybe our teen advisory board would be interested in exploring the site, however.
I think the advantage of using an entire site based on blogging software like the Ann Arbor Library, is that people at branch libraries can add their own information or modify existing posts. In our system the IT Team takes care of the web site so changes have to go throught them which takes some time.
I thought the Denver Public Library's site was great. I didn't think it was too hard to find the podcasts from the homepage, but then again I am a Librarian. I don't know if the general public would think to look under downloads. The podcasts were quite easy to use and although families could check out books on tape/CD at the library, it's nice that kids could access some online stories at home.
For adults it would be nice to have some author interviews or book discussions. In our library system we are planning a literary festival so it would be great to have podcasts of the speeches available afterwards. Some teaser interviews from the authors would also be good publicity.
It is interesting to see that many of the libraries are now offering e-movies. Our library currently offers e-audiobooks, but it looks like we may need to look into this new movie format. It would certainly free up some shelf space!
On the Seattle Public Library site I like the idea of patrons being able to subscribe to our upcoming program information. It's helpful that they can use RSS feeds or get emails. I would love it if we could get the program information to our regular patrons in this manner! On this web site I was impressed to see the information available in so many different languages.
It makes more sense to me to have a My Space Teen Page than something in Second Life. Just about every teen that uses the Internet at our library has a My Space page so it just seems easier and more practical.
On a different library's website they had an RSS feed from a news source like CNN as a side bar. Maybe something like that would encourage patrons to make our catalog their homepage.
Looks like our library web site is behind the times!!
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